Austin Healey salsas off Strictly Come Dancing

Rugby star and partner Erin Boag devastated to leave the show

Strictly Come Dancing 2008 line-up unveiled: Austin Healey

Austin Healey and Erin Boag desperately wanted to stay in Strictly

Austin Healey and Erin Boag ended up in the Strictly Come Dancing dance off with Lisa Snowdon and Brendon Cole at the weekend - and lost.

Though a favourite with the judges, the 35-year-old rugby star's American Smooth and salsa didn't impress the judges - or the public - as much as Lisa's jive and waltz.

With his impressive 6-pack, Austin thrilled female fans, especially judge Arlene Phillips, but his amazing physique and determination to succeed wasn't enough to keep in the contest.

Craig Revel Horwood felt dad-of-4 Austin looked a little 'awkward' and Arlene urged him to be 'fearless all the time'.

Austin and Erin were concentrating so hard in their Sunday night salsa that neither noticed that Erin's hair extensions tumbled to the floor.

Brendan had to quickly pick them up before he and Lisa performed their winning routine.

Now they join Rachel Stevens and Vincent Simone and Tom Chambers and Camilla Dallerup in the semi-final.